Navigation apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

A navigation configured to be installed in a motor vehicle, and a corresponding method. According to an embodiment, there is a method that includes: a) reproducing video information corresponding to a straight section included in the route information at a speed faster than a typical reproduction speed; and b) reproducing video information corresponding to a curved section included in the route information at a speed slower than the typical reproduction speed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Continuation-in-part of co-pendingapplication Ser. No. 12/421,885, filed on Apr. 10, 2009, which claimspriority to Korean Application No. 10-2008-0096833, filed on Oct. 1,2008, each of which are herein expressly incorporated by reference intheir entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a navigation apparatus and method.

2. Description of the Related Art

A related art mobile vehicle navigation apparatus is an apparatus whichgenerates road guidance information based on a Global Positioning System(GPS) signal and map information, and provides the road guidanceinformation to a user.

However, the related art mobile vehicle navigation apparatus cannot a)display road guidance information from an origination position to afirst destination point; b) determine whether a current position is thefirst destination point; c) upon determining that the current positionis not the first destination point, generate a route from the currentposition to the first destination point; and d) wirelessly transmit theroute to a mobile communication terminal.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To achieve these and other advantages in accordance with one aspect ofthe present invention, as embodied and broadly described herein, thereis provided a navigation method including: displaying road guidanceinformation; determining whether an arrival point is an ultimatedestination when a first position of a first terminal is near thearrival point; and generating a new route using position informationbased upon the result of the determination, or sending the positioninformation to a second terminal.

In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided anavigation method including: displaying road guidance information; andgenerating a new route using position information or sending theposition information to a second terminal in case where a first positionof a first terminal is near an arrival point.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigationapparatus including: a display configured to display road guidanceinformation; and a controller configured to determine whether an arrivalpoint is an ultimate destination when a first position of a firstterminal is near the arrival point, and generate a new route usingposition information based upon the determination or send the positioninformation to a second terminal.

In one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a navigationmethod performed by a navigation terminal configured to be installed ina motor vehicle. The method includes a) displaying road guidanceinformation from an origination position to a first destination point;b) determining whether a current position is the first destinationpoint; c) upon determining that the current position is not the firstdestination point, generating a route from the current position to thefirst destination point; and d) wirelessly transmitting the route to amobile communication terminal.

The method may also include a) determining whether the current positionis within a preset range of the first destination point; and/or b)determining a distance between the current position and the firstdestination point.

The method may also include a) displaying a message prompting a user toindicate whether the current position is the first destination point;and b) receiving an input from the user indicating whether the currentposition is the first destination point.

The method may also include a) receiving from the user a seconddestination point; b) generating a second route from one of the currentposition and the first destination point to the second destinationpoint; and c) wirelessly transmitting the second route to the mobilecommunication terminal.

The second route may also include second route data in one of an imageformat, a turn-by-turn list format, and a text format.

The first route may include first route data in one of an image format,a turn-by-turn list format, a text format, an animation format, and amultimedia format.

The method may also include a) generating a reverse route between thefirst destination point and the current position; and b) wirelesslytransmitting the reverse route to a second mobile communicationterminal.

The method may also include a) receiving a user input identifying analternative position; b) generating a route from the first destinationpoint to the alternative position; and c) wirelessly transmitting theroute from the first destination point to the alternative position to asecond mobile communication terminal.

The method may also include automatically determining whether a currentposition is the first destination point upon terminating motor vehiclemovement.

In alternative embodiment, there may be a device and method fordisplaying route information. The step of displaying may include:reproducing video information corresponding to a straight sectionincluded in the route information at a speed faster than a typicalreproduction speed; and reproducing video information corresponding to acurved section included in the route information at a speed slower thanthe typical reproduction speed.

The foregoing and other objects, features, aspects and advantages of thepresent invention will become more apparent from the following detaileddescription of the present invention when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a furtherunderstanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention andtogether with the description serve to explain the principles of theinvention.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a mobile terminal towhich a navigation apparatus according to an embodiment of the presentinvention is applied;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structure of a telematics terminalto which the navigation apparatus according to the embodiment of thepresent invention is applied;

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of the navigationapparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with afirst embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a view showing a pop-up window for confirming a ultimatedestination in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 6A to 6D are exemplary views showing information related to anewly generated route in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with athird embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with afourth embodiment of the present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with afifth embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Description will now be given in detail of the preferred embodiments ofthe present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings.Here, the same or similar components will have the same referencenumerals regardless of drawings, and they will not be repeatedlydescribed.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a structure of a mobile terminal 100to which a mobile vehicle navigation apparatus 300 according to one ormore embodiments of the present invention is applied. The mobileterminal 100 may be implemented as various forms. For instance, themobile terminal 100 may include portable terminals, smart phones,notebook computers, digital multimedia broadcasting terminals, PersonalDigital Assistants (PDA), Portable Multimedia Players (PMP), navigations(mobile vehicle navigation apparatus), and the like.

As shown in FIG. 1, the mobile terminal 100 of the present invention mayinclude a wireless communication unit 110, an A/V (Audio/Video) inputunit 120, a user input unit 130, a sensing unit 140, an output unit 150,a memory 160, an interface unit 170, a controller 180, a power supplyunit 190, and the like. FIG. 1 shows the mobile terminal 100 havingvarious components, but it is understood that implementing all of theillustrated components is not a requirement. Greater or fewer componentsmay alternatively be implemented. The mobile terminal 100 may includesbodies that flip, fold or rotate.

The wireless communication unit 110 may include one or more componentswhich permit wireless communications between the mobile terminal 100 anda wireless communication system or between the mobile terminal 100 and anetwork within which the mobile terminal 100 is located. For example,the wireless communication unit 110 may include at least one of abroadcasting receiving module 111, a mobile communication module 112, awireless internet module 113, a short-range communication module 114 anda position location module 115.

The broadcasting receiving module 111 receives a broadcast signal and/orbroadcast associated information from an external broadcast managingserver via a broadcast channel. The broadcast channel may include asatellite channel and a terrestrial channel. The broadcast managingserver may indicate a server which generates and transmits a broadcastsignal and/or broadcast associated information or a server whichreceives a pre-generated broadcast signal and/or broadcast associatedinformation and sends them to the mobile terminal. Examples of broadcastassociated information may include information associated with abroadcast channel, a broadcast program, a broadcast service provider,and the like. The broadcast signal may be implemented as a TV broadcastsignal, a radio broadcast signal, and a data broadcast signal, amongothers. The broadcast signal may further include a data broadcast signalcombined with a TV or radio broadcast signal.

The broadcast associated information may be provided via a mobilecommunication network, and received by the mobile communication module112. The broadcast associated information may be implemented in variousformats. For instance, broadcast associated information may includeElectronic Program Guide (EPG) of Digital Multimedia Broadcasting (DMB),Electronic Service Guide (ESG) of Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld(DVB-H), and the like.

The broadcasting receiving module 111 may be configured to receivedigital broadcast signals transmitted from various types of broadcastsystems. Such broadcast systems may include Digital MultimediaBroadcasting-Terrestrial (DMB-T), Digital MultimediaBroadcasting-Satellite (DMB-S), Media Forward Link Only (MediaFLO),Digital Video Broadcast-Handheld (DVB-H), Integrated Services DigitalBroadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T), and the like. The broadcasting receivingmodule 111 may be configured to be suitable for every broadcast systemtransmitting broadcast signals as well as the digital broadcastingsystems. Broadcast signals and/or broadcast associated informationreceived via the broadcasting receiving module 111 may be stored in asuitable device, such as a memory 160.

The mobile communication module 112 transmits/receives wireless signalsto/from at least one of network entities (e.g., a base station, anexternal mobile terminal, a server, etc.) on a mobile communicationnetwork. Here, the wireless signals may include audio call signal, videocall signal, and/or various formats of data according totransmission/reception of text/multimedia messages.

The wireless internet module 113 supports wireless Internet access forthe mobile terminal. This module may be internally or externally coupledto the mobile terminal 100. Here, examples of such wireless Internetaccess technology may include Wireless LAN (WLAN, Wi-FI), Wirelessbroadband (Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (Wimax),High Speed Downlink Package Access (HSDPA), and the like.

The short-range communication module 114 denotes a module forshort-range communications. Suitable technologies for implementing thismodule may include BLUETOOTH, Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID),Infrared Data Association (IrDA), Ultra-WideBand (UWB), ZigBee, and thelike.

The position location module 115 denotes a module for detecting orcalculating a position of a mobile terminal. An example of the positionlocation module 115 may include a Global Positioning System (GPS)module. The GPS module may receive position information in cooperationwith associated multiple satellites. Here, the position information mayinclude coordinates information represented by latitude and longitude.For example, the GPS module can measure accurate time and distancerespectively from more than three satellites so as to accuratelycalculate a current position of the mobile terminal based on such threedifferent distances according to a triangulation scheme. A scheme may beused to obtain time information and distance information from threesatellites and correct error by one satellite. Specifically, the GPSmodule can further obtain three-dimensional speed information and anaccurate time, as well as position on latitude, longitude and altitude,from the position information received from the satellites. Wi-FiPositioning System and/or Hybrid Positioning System may be applied asthe position location module 115.

The A/V input unit 120 is configured to provide audio or video signalinput to the mobile terminal. The NV input unit 120 may include a camera121 and a microphone 122. The camera 121 receives and processes imageframes of still pictures or video obtained by image sensors in a videocall mode or a capturing mode. The processed image frames may bedisplayed on a display 151.

The image frames processed by the camera 121 may be stored in the memory160 or transmitted to the exterior via the wireless communication unit110. Two or more cameras 121 may be provided according to theconfiguration of the mobile terminal.

Further, the microphone 122 receives an external audio signal while theportable device is in a particular mode, such as a phone call mode,recording mode and voice recognition mode. The received audio signal isthen processed and converted into digital data. In the calling mode, theprocessed voice data is converted and outputted into a form capable oftransmitting to the mobile communication base station through the mobilecommunication module 112. Also, the microphone 122 includes assortednoise removing algorithms to remove noise generated in the course ofreceiving the external audio signal.

The mobile terminal 100 also includes a user input unit 130 thatgenerates input data responsive to user manipulation of an associatedinput device or devices. Examples of such devices include a keypad, adome switch, a touchpad (e.g., static pressure/capacitance), a jogwheel, a jog switch and the like.

A sensing unit 140 is also included in the mobile terminal 100 andprovides status measurements of various aspects of the mobile terminal100. For instance, the sensing unit 140 may detect an open/close statusof the mobile terminal 100, a change of position of the mobile terminal100 or a component of the mobile terminal 100, a presence or absence ofuser contact with the mobile terminal 100, orientation oracceleration/deceleration of the mobile terminal 100, etc. As anexample, when the mobile terminal 100 is a slide-type mobile terminal,the sensing unit 140 may sense whether a sliding portion of the mobileterminal 100 is open or closed. Other examples include the sensing unit140 sensing the presence or absence of power provided by a power supplyunit 190, the presence or absence of a coupling or other connectionbetween an interface unit 170 and an external device, etc. The sensingunit 140 may further include a proximity sensor 141.

The output unit 150 serves to output an audio signal (or an auditorysignal), a video signal (or visual signal), an alarm signal or a tactilesignal. The output unit 150 includes a display unit 151, an audio outputmodule 152, an alarm 153, a haptic module 154 and the like.

The mobile terminal 100 also includes a display 151 that visuallydisplays information associated with the mobile terminal 100. Forinstance, if the mobile terminal 100 is operating in a phone call mode,the display 151 will generally provide a user interface (UI) orgraphical user interface (GUI) which includes information associatedwith placing, conducting, and terminating a phone call. As anotherexample, if the mobile terminal 100 is in a video call mode or aphotographing mode, the display 151 may additionally or alternativelydisplay images which are associated with these modes or the UI and GUI.

Further, the display 151 may be implemented using at least one ofdisplay technologies including, for example, a liquid crystal display(LCD), a thin film transistor-liquid crystal display (TFT-LCD), anorganic light-emitting diode display (OLED), a flexible display and athree-dimensional display.

The display 151 may be implemented as a transparent type or an opticaltransparent type through which the exterior is viewable, which isreferred to as ‘transparent display’. A representative example of thetransparent display may include a Transparent OLED (TOLED), and thelike. The rear surface of the display 151 may also be implemented to beoptically transparent. Under this configuration, a user can view anobject positioned at a rear side of a terminal body through the display151 of the terminal body.

The display 151 may be implemented in two or more in number according toa configured aspect of the mobile terminal 100. For instance, aplurality of the displays 151 may be arranged on one surface in aspacing manner or in an integrated manner, or may be arranged ondifferent surfaces.

Here, if the display 151 and a touch sensitive sensor (referred to as atouch sensor) have a layered structure therebetween, the structure maybe referred to as a touch screen. The display 151 may be used as aninput device rather than an output device. The touch sensor may beimplemented as a touch film, a touch sheet, a touch pad, and the like.

The touch sensor may be configured to convert changes of a pressureapplied to a specific part of the display 151, or a capacitanceoccurring from a specific part of the display 151, into electric inputsignals. Also, the touch sensor may be configured to sense not only atouched position and a touched area, but also a touch pressure. Whentouch inputs are sensed by the touch sensor, corresponding signals aretransmitted to a touch controller (not shown). The touch controllerprocesses the received signals, and then transmits corresponding data tothe controller 180. Accordingly, the controller 180 may sense whichregion of the display 151 has been touched.

The proximity sensor 141 may be arranged at an inner region of themobile terminal 100 covered by the touch screen, or near the touchscreen. The proximity sensor 141 indicates a sensor to sense presence orabsence of an object approaching to a surface to be sensed, or an objectdisposed near a surface to be sensed, by using an electromagnetic fieldor infrared rays without a mechanical contact. The proximity sensor 141has a longer lifespan and a more enhanced utilization degree than acontact sensor.

The proximity sensor 141 may include a transmissive type photoelectricsensor, a direct reflective type photoelectric sensor, a mirrorreflective type photoelectric sensor, a high-frequency oscillation typeproximity sensor, a capacitance type proximity sensor, a magnetic typeproximity sensor, an infrared rays proximity sensor, and so on. When thetouch screen is implemented as a capacitance type, proximity of apointer to the touch screen is sensed by changes of an electromagneticfield. In this case, the touch screen (touch sensor) may be categorizedinto a proximity sensor.

Hereinafter, a status that the pointer is positioned to be proximateonto the touch screen without contact will be referred to as ‘proximitytouch’, whereas a status that the pointer substantially comes in contactwith the touch screen will be referred to as ‘contact touch’. Thepointer in a status of ‘proximity touch’ is positioned so as to bevertical with respect to the touch screen.

The proximity sensor 141 senses proximity touch, and proximity touchpatterns (e.g., distance, direction, speed, time, position, movingstatus, etc.). Information relating to the sensed proximity touch, andthe sensed proximity touch patterns may be output onto the touch screen.

The audio output module 152 may output audio data received from thewireless communication unit 110 or stored in the memory 160, in acall-receiving mode, a call-placing mode, a recording mode, a voicerecognition mode, a broadcast reception mode, and so on. The audiooutput module 152 may output audio signals relating to functionsperformed in the mobile terminal 100, e.g., call signal reception sound,message reception sound, and so on. The audio output module 152 mayinclude a receiver, a speaker, a buzzer, and so on.

The alarm 153 outputs signals notifying occurrence of events from themobile terminal 100. The events occurring from the mobile terminal 100may include call signal reception, message reception, key signal input,touch input, and so on. The alarm 153 may output not only video or audiosignals, but also other types of signals such as signals notifyingoccurrence of events in a vibration manner. When call signals ormessages are received, the alarm 153 may implement the mobile terminal100 to vibrate through a vibration means in order to notify thereception. When key signals are input, the alarm 153 may implement themobile terminal 100 to vibrate through a vibration means as a feedbackto the input. A user can recognize occurrence of events through thevibration of the mobile terminal 100. Signals notifying occurrence ofevents may be output through the display 151 or the audio output module152. The display 151 and the audio output module 152 may be categorizedinto a part of the alarm 153.

The haptic module 154 generates various tactile effects. Arepresentative example of the tactile effects generated by the hapticmodule 154 includes vibration. Vibration generated by the haptic module154 may have a controllable intensity, a controllable pattern, and soon. For instance, different vibration may be output in a synthesizedmanner or in a sequential manner.

The haptic module 154 may generate various tactile effects including notonly vibration, but also arrangement of pins vertically moving withrespect to a skin surface contacting the haptic module 154, airinjection force or air suction force through an injection hole or asuction hole, touch by a skin surface, presence or absence of contactwith an electrode, effects by stimulus such as an electrostatic force,and reproduction of cold or hot feeling using a heat absorbing device ora heat emitting device.

The haptic module 154 may be configured to transmit tactile effectsthrough a user's direct contact, or a user's muscular sense using afinger or a hand. The haptic module 154 may be implemented in two ormore in number according to a configuration of the mobile terminal 100.

The memory 160 may store programs to operate the controller 180, or maytemporarily store input/output data (e.g., music, still images, movingimages, map data, and so on). The memory 160 may store data relating tovibration and sound of various patterns output when touches are inputonto the touch screen.

The memory 160 may be implemented using any type or combination ofsuitable memory or storage devices including a flash memory type, a harddisk type, a multimedia card micro type, a card type (SD or XD memory),random access memory (RAM), static random access memory (SRAM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),programmable read-only memory (PROM), read-only memory (ROM), magneticmemory, magnetic or optical disk, or other similar memory or datastorage device. The mobile terminal 100 may operate a web storage on theInternet, or may be operated in relation to a web storage that performsa storage function of the memory 160.

The interface unit 170 interfaces the mobile terminal 100 with allexternal devices connected to the mobile terminal 100. The interface 170may include a wire/wireless headset port, an external charger port, awire/wireless data port, a memory card port, a port to connect a devicehaving a recognition module to the mobile terminal 100, an audioInput/Output (I/O) port, a video Input/Output (I/O) port, an earphoneport, and so on. Here, the recognition module is implemented as a chipto store each kind of information to identify an authorization right forthe mobile terminal 100, and may include a User Identity Module (UIM), aSubscriber Identity Module (SIM), a Universal Subscriber Identity Module(USIM), and so on. A device having the recognition module (hereinafter,will be referred to as ‘identification device’) may be implemented as asmart card type. Accordingly, the recognition module may be connected tothe mobile terminal 100 through a port. The interface unit 170 may beconfigured to receive data or power from an external device to transmitthe data or power to each component inside the mobile terminal 100, ormay be configured to transmit data inside the mobile terminal 100 to anexternal device.

Under a state that the mobile terminal 100 is connected to an externalcradle, the interface unit 170 serves as a passage through which powerfrom the external cradle is supplied to the mobile terminal 100, or apassage through which each kind of command signals input from theexternal cradle is transmitted to the mobile terminal 100. Each kind ofcommand signals or power input from the cradle may serve as signalsnotifying that the mobile terminal 100 is precisely mounted to theexternal cradle.

The controller 180 controls an overall operation of the mobile terminal100. For instance, the controller 180 performs controls and processesrelating to data communication, voice call, video call, and the like.The controller 180 may include a multimedia module 181 configured toplay multimedia. The multimedia module 181 may be implemented inside thecontroller 180, or may be separately implemented from the controller180.

The controller 180 may perform a pattern recognition process torecognize handwriting inputs or picture inputs on the touch screen, astexts or images, respectively.

The power supply unit 190 may be configured to receive external orinternal power and to supply the received power to each component of themobile terminal 100 under control of the controller 180.

In addition, the above various embodiments for the mobile terminal 100may be implemented in a computer-readable medium using, for example,computer software, hardware, or some combination thereof.

For a hardware implementation, the embodiments described above may beimplemented within one or more application specific integrated circuits(ASICs), digital signal processors (DSPs), digital signal processingdevices (DSPDs), programmable logic devices (PLDs), field programmablegate arrays (FPGAs), processors, controllers, micro-controllers,microprocessors, other electronic units designed to perform thefunctions described herein, or a selective combination thereof. In somecases, such embodiments are implemented by the controller 180.

For a software implementation, the embodiments described herein may beimplemented with separate software modules, such as procedures andfunctions, each of which perform one or more of the functions andoperations described herein. The software codes can be implemented witha software application written in any suitable programming language andmay be stored in a memory (for example, the memory 160), and executed bya controller or processor (for example, the controller 180).

A navigation apparatus 300 applied to the mobile terminal 100 accordingto the present invention generates a route from a departure point and anarrival point and displays the generated route on the display 151 of themobile terminal 100. When the current position of the mobile terminal100 is within a preset region of the arrival point, the navigationapparatus 300 checks whether the arrival point is an ultimatedestination. The navigation apparatus 300 then generates a new route andbased upon position information including the ultimate destination setaccording to the result of the checking and the location of the mobileterminal 100. Accordingly, the navigation apparatus 300 transmitsinformation relating to the generated new route to a particularterminal, or transmits the position information to the particularterminal such that a new route is generated in the particular terminalbased upon the transmitted position information.

For example, the navigation apparatus 300 applied to the mobile terminal100 according to the present invention matches a current map matchinglink with a current link, and generates road guidance information basedon a result of the matching. Here, the current map matching link isextracted from map data corresponding to a running route from adeparture point to an arrival point. Also, when the mobile terminalenters a preset region of the arrival point while displaying the roadguidance information on the display 151, the navigation apparatus 300applied to the mobile terminal 100 according to the present inventionchecks whether the arrival point is the ultimate destination, and thensets the ultimate destination according to the result of the checking.Afterwards, the navigation apparatus 300 generates new route relatedinformation based upon the set ultimate destination and the currentposition of the mobile terminal 100 and sends the generated new routerelated information to a particular terminal, such that the sent newroute related information is displayed on the particular terminal. Also,the navigation apparatus 300 can send position information related tothe set ultimate destination to the particular terminal, and generates anew route based upon the sent position information and/or positioninformation relating to the particular terminal, so as to display thenewly generated route related information on the particular terminal.

Here, functions of the navigation apparatus 300 according to theembodiment of the present invention will be executed by the navigationapparatus 300 itself or by the controller 180 of the mobile terminal100.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a structure of a telematics terminal200 to which the navigation apparatus according to one or moreembodiments of the present invention is applied.

Referring to FIG. 2, the telematics terminal 200 may include a mainboard 220. The main board 220 includes a key controller 221 forcontrolling a variety of key signals, a central processing unit (CPU)222 for executing overall controls of the telematics terminal 200, anLCD controller 223 for controlling an LCD, and a memory 224 for storingeach kind of information.

The memory 224 stores map information (map data) for displaying roadguidance information (vehicle guidance information) on a digital map ofa display (or an LCD 211).

In addition, the memory 224 stores an algorithm for controlling trafficinformation collection for enabling an input of traffic informationdepending on a road condition in which a vehicle is currently traveling,and each kind of information for controlling such an algorithm.

The main board 220 may include a communication module 201 provided witha uniquely given device number, and performing voice call and datatransmission/reception through a mobile communication terminal built ina vehicle; a GPS module 202 for receiving a GPS signal to guide aposition of a vehicle, track a traveling route from a depart point to anarrival point, etc., and for generating current position data of avehicle based on the received GPS signal, or transmitting trafficinformation collected by a user as a GPS signal; a gyro sensor 203 forsensing a running direction of the vehicle; a CD deck 204 forreproducing a signal recorded on a compact disk (CD); and the like.

The communication module 201 and the GPS module 202 transmit/receivesignals through a first antenna 205 and a second antenna 206,respectively.

Also, the main board 220 is connected to a TV module 230 for receivingbroadcast signals through a TV antenna 231 (i.e., an antenna forbroadcast signals).

The main board 220 is connected, via an interface board 213, to the LCD211 controlled by the LCD controller 223.

The LCD 211 processes a broadcasting signal received through the TVmodule 230 through predetermined processes, and then displays theprocessed broadcasting signal, in the form of a video signal, on the LCD211 via the interface board 213 under control of the LCD controller 223.And, the LCD 211 outputs an audio signal through an amplifier 254 undercontrol of an audio board 240 that will be later explained. The LCD 211displays each kind of video signals, or text signals based on controlsignals by the LCD controller 223.

The LCD 211 may be configured to receive an input from a user in a touchscreen manner.

The main board 220 is connected, via the interface board 213, to a frontboard 212 controlled by the key controller 221. The front board 212 isprovided with buttons for enabling an input of a variety of key signalsso as to provide to the main board 220 a key signal corresponding to abutton (or key) selected by a user. The front board 212 may be providedwith a menu key for allowing a direct input of traffic information, andthe menu key may be configured to be controlled by the key controller221.

The audio board 240 is connected to the main board 220, and processes avariety of audio signals. The audio board 240 may include amicrocomputer 244 for controlling the audio board 240, a tuner 243 forreceiving a radio signal through an antenna (or radio antenna) 245, apower unit 242 for supplying power to the microcomputer 244, and asignal processing unit 241 for processing a variety of voice signals.

To the audio board 240, are connected the radio antenna 245 forreceiving a radio signal, and a tape deck 246 for reproducing an audiotape.

An amplifier 254 is also connected to the audio board 240 so as tooutput a voice signal processed by the audio board 240.

The amplifier 254 is connected to a vehicle interface 250. That is, themain board 220 and the audio board 240 are connected to the vehicleinterface 250, respectively. To the vehicle interface 250, may beconnected a hands-free 251 for inputting a voice signal without using adriver's hands, an airbag 252 for a passenger's safety, a speed sensor253 for sensing a vehicle speed, and the like.

The speed sensor 253 calculates a vehicle speed, and providesinformation relating to the calculated vehicle speed to the centralprocessing unit 222.

Functions of the navigation apparatus 300 include general navigationfunctions.

The navigation apparatus 300 applied to the telematics terminal 200generates a route between a departure point to an arrival point, anddisplays the generated route information on the LCD 211 of thetelematics terminal 200. Afterwards, when the current position of thetelematics terminal 200 is within a preset region of the arrival point,the navigation apparatus 300 checks whether the arrival point is theultimate destination, so as to generate a new route based upon theultimate destination set according to the result of the checking and theposition of the telematics terminal 200. The navigation apparatus 300then sends the newly generated route information to a particularterminal, or send the position information to the particular terminaland then generate a new route in the particular terminal based upon thesent position information.

For example, the navigation apparatus 300 applied to the telematicsterminal 200 according to the present invention matches a current mapmatching link with a current link, and generates road guidanceinformation based on a result of the matching. Here, the current mapmatching link is extracted from map data corresponding to a runningroute from a departure point to an arrival point. Also, when the mobileterminal enters a preset region of the arrival point while displayingthe road guidance information on the LCD 211, the navigation apparatus300 applied to the telematics terminal 200 according to the presentinvention checks whether the arrival point is the ultimate destination,and then sets the ultimate destination according to the result of thechecking. Afterwards, the navigation apparatus 300 generates new routerelated information based upon the set ultimate destination and thecurrent position of the telematics terminal 200 and sends the generatednew route related information to a particular terminal, such that thesent new route related information is displayed on the particularterminal. Also, the navigation apparatus 300 can send positioninformation related to the set ultimate destination to the particularterminal, and generates a new route based upon the sent positioninformation and/or position information relating to the particularterminal, so as to display the newly generated route related informationon the particular terminal.

Here, functions of the navigation apparatus 300 according to theembodiment of the present invention will be executed by the navigationapparatus 300 itself or by the central processing unit 222 of thetelematics terminal 200.

Hereinafter, the navigation apparatus 300 will be explained in moredetail, with reference to FIG. 3, under an assumption that thenavigation apparatus 300 is applied to the telematics terminal 200.Here, the navigation apparatus 300 of the present invention may beapplied not only to the telematics terminal 200, but also to the mobileterminal 100.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a structure of the navigationapparatus according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 3, the contents navigation apparatus 300 comprises aGPS receiver 301, a Dead-Reckoning (DR) sensor 302, an input unit 303, amap matching unit 304, a storage unit 305, a display unit 306, a voiceoutput unit 307, a controller 308, and a communication unit 309.

The GPS receiver 301 receives a GPS signal from a satellite, generatesin real time first position data of the navigation apparatus 300(assumed to be the same position to the telematics terminal 200 or themobile terminal 100) based upon latitude and longitude coordinatesincluded in the received GPS signal, and output the generated firstposition data to the map matching unit 304. Here, the first positiondata is defined as a current position (or current position data) of thenavigation apparatus 300. The position information can be receivedthrough a Wi-Fi or Wibro communication as well as the GPS receiver 301.

The signal received through the GPS receiver 301 may provide theposition information relating to the terminal to the navigationapparatus 300 by using wireless communications, such as IEEE 802.11 as awireless network standard for a wireless LAN including wireless LAN,part of Infrared Data Associations (IrDA) and the like, proposed byInstitute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), IEEE 802.15 asa standard for a wireless Personal Area Network (PAN) includingBLUETOOTH, Ultra-WideBand (UWB), Zigbee and the like, IEEE 802.16 as astandard for a wireless Metropolitan Area Network (MAN)(BroadbandWireless Access, BWA) including Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and thelike, and IEEE 802.20 as a mobile internet standard for a wireless MAN(Mobile Broadband Wireless Access, MBWA) including Wireless Broadband(Wibro), World Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMAX) and thelike.

The DR sensor 302 calculates a running direction and running speed of avehicle when the terminal (i.e., navigation apparatus 300) is built inthe corresponding vehicle, generates second position data based upon thecalculated running direction of the vehicle and the running speedthereof, and outputs the generated second position data to the mapmatching unit 304.

Here, a technology of generating a presumptive position of thenavigation apparatus (or the mobile terminal or vehicle) based upon thefirst position data generated by the GPS receiver 301 and the secondposition data generated by the DR sensor 302 is well known to thoseskilled in the art, and thus a detailed description thereof will beomitted.

The input unit 303 receives a button input by a user or a command orcontrol signal in cooperation with a manipulation, such astouching/scrolling a display screen.

The input unit 303 may also be configured for a user to select hisdesired function or input information, and may be configured as variousdevices, such as a keypad, a touch screen, a jog wheel, a microphone andthe like.

The map matching unit 304 generates a presumptive vehicle position basedupon the first and second position data, and reads out map datacorresponding to a running route from the storage unit 305.

The map matching unit 304 also matches the presumptive vehicle positionwith links (roads) included in the map data, and outputs the matched mapinformation (i.e., the map matching result) to the controller 308. Forinstance, the map matching unit 304 generates the presumptive vehicleposition based upon the first and second position data, and then matchesthe generated presumptive vehicle position with the links included inthe map data stored in the storage unit 305 in a sequential manner, soas to output the matched map information (i.e., the map matching result)to the controller 308.

The map matching unit 304 also outputs to the controller 308 a roadattribute information, such as a single story road or a multi storyroad, which is included in the matched map information (i.e., the mapmatching result).

Such functions of the map matching unit 304 can be implemented by thecontroller 308.

The storage unit 305 stores map data.

The storage unit 305 also stores various types of information, includinga variety of menu screens, point of interest (POI), information relatedto each function according to a specific position of the map data andthe like.

The storage unit 305 also stores a variety of user interfaces (UIs)and/or graphic user interfaces (GUIs).

In addition, the storage unit 305 stores data and programs required forthe operation of the navigation apparatus 300.

The display unit 306 displays graphic information (or a road guidancemap) included in the road guidance information generated by thecontroller 308. Here, the display unit 306 can be a touch screen.

The display unit 306 may display various contents such as different menuscreens and road guidance information using UIs and/or GUIs stored inthe storage unit 305. Here, the contents displayed on the display unit306 may include menu screens having various texts or image data (mapdata or each kind of information data), icons, list menus and comboboxes.

The voice output unit 307 outputs voice information included in the roadguidance information (or voice message for the road guidanceinformation) generated by the controller 308. Here, the voice outputunit 307 may be implemented as a speaker.

The controller 308 generates road guidance information based upon thematched map information, and then outputs the generated road guidanceinformation to the display unit 306 and the voice output unit 307. Here,the display unit 306 displays the road guidance information.

Also, the controller 308 receives real-time traffic information from aninformation providing center 500 connected thereto via a wired/wirelesscommunication network 400. The received real-time traffic information isused upon the generation of the road guidance information.

The controller 308 may be connected to a call center 600 via thecommunication unit 309, so as to execute a call communication or allowstransmission/reception of information between the navigation apparatus300 and the call center 600. Here, the communication unit 309 may beimplemented as a hands-free module having a BLUETOOTH function employinga short-range wireless communication technique.

The controller 308 retrieves a route(path) based upon start point andarrival point or upon an arrival point, and outputs the retrieval resultto the display unit 306.

Also, when the current position of the navigation apparatus 300 is nearthe arrival point upon the traveling, then the controller 308 may checkwhether or not the arrival point is the ultimate destination. And, thecontroller 308 may generate a new route between the current position ofthe navigation apparatus 300 and the ultimate destination according tothe checked result, so as to send to a particular terminal.

In addition, when the current position of the navigation apparatus 300is near the arrival point during the driving, then the controller 308may check whether or not the arrival point is the ultimate destination,and send to the particular terminal either position information (orposition related information) related to the ultimate destination orposition (related) information related to both the ultimate destinationand the current position of the navigation apparatus 300 according tothe checked result.

When the current position of the navigation apparatus 300 is near thearrival point during the traveling, then the controller 308 generates anew route based upon position information related to the arrival point,so as to send the newly generated route to a particular terminal or sendthe position information to the particular terminal. Here, the positioninformation may include the arrival point, or include the arrival pointand the current position of the navigation apparatus 300.

Here, part (or all) of the components provided in the navigationapparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 according to the present invention,including the GPS receiver 301, the DR sensor 302, the input unit 303,the map matching unit 304, the storage unit 305, the display unit 306,the voice output unit 307, the controller 308 and the communication unit309, may be substituted with components having similar functions in themobile terminal 100.

That is, the GPS receiver 301 may be the position location module 115 ofthe mobile terminal 100, the DR sensor 302 may be the sensing unit 140of the mobile terminal 100, the input unit 303 may be the user inputunit 130 of the mobile terminal 100, the storage unit 305 may be thememory 160 of the mobile terminal 100, and the display unit 306 may bethe display 151 of the mobile terminal 100. Also, the voice output unit307 may be the voice output module 152 of the mobile terminal 100, andthe communication unit 309 may be the wireless communication unit 110 ofthe mobile terminal 100. Also, the functions of the map matching unit304 and the controller 308 may be executed by the controller 180 of themobile terminal 100. Alternatively, the map matching unit 304 and thecontroller 308 may be implemented as an independent module in the mobileterminal 100.

Furthermore, part (or all) of the components provided in the navigationapparatus 300 illustrated in FIG. 3 according to the present invention,including the GPS receiver 301, the DR sensor 302, the map matching unit304, the storage unit 305, the display unit 306, the voice output unit307, the controller 308 and the communication unit 309, may besubstituted with components having similar functions in the telematicsterminal 200.

That is, the GPS receiver 301 may be the GPS module 202 of thetelematics terminal 200, the DR sensor 302 may be the gyro sensor 203 ofthe telematics terminal 200, the storage unit 305 may be the memory 224of the telematics terminal 200, and the display unit 306 may be the LCD211 of the telematics terminal 200. Also, the voice output unit 307 maybe the amplifier 254 of the telematics terminal 200, and thecommunication unit 309 may be the communication module 201 of thetelematics terminal 200. Also, the functions of the map matching unit304 and the controller 308 may be executed by the central processingunit 222 of the telematics terminal 200.

As such, a first terminal cooperates with a second terminal so as toshare position information relating to a destination (arrival point)with each other, thus to enhance convenience and efficiency of use.

Hereinafter, a navigation method according to the present invention willbe described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with afirst embodiment of the present invention

First, the map matching unit 304 generates first position data and/orsecond position data based upon signals respectively received by the GPSreceiver 301 and/or the DR sensor 302, and generates a currentpresumptive position based upon the generated first and/or secondposition data. Afterwards, the map matching unit 304 reads out map datacorresponding to a running route from the storage unit 305. Here, therunning route refers to a route from a starting point to an arrivalpoint.

The map matching unit 304 then matches the presumptive position withlinks (roads) included in the map data, and outputs the matched mapinformation (i.e., map matching result) to the controller 308. Forexample, the map matching unit 304 generates the presumptive positionbased upon the first and second position data and then matches thegenerated presumptive position with the links within the map data storedin the storage unit 305 in a sequential manner, to thereafter output thematched map information (i.e., map matching result) to the controller308. Here, the matched map information (i.e., map matching result)corresponds to information generated by referring to preset userinformation, a road condition using Transport Protocol Expert Group(TPEG) information or the like, current status information of a vehicle(e.g., oil state (e.g., pressure/level/temperature), air pressure stateof tire, etc.) and the like.

Afterwards, the controller 308 generates road guidance information basedupon the matched map information, and outputs the road guidanceinformation to the display unit 306 and the voice output unit 307(S110).

The controller 308 then determines whether the navigation apparatus 300is currently positioned near the arrival point. Here, the determinationas to whether the navigation apparatus 300 is currently positioned nearthe arrival point is to determine whether or not the navigationapparatus 300 is currently positioned within a range (or a radius)preset based upon the arrival point.

As one example, assuming that the arrival point is ‘City Hall’ and thenavigation apparatus 300 enters (or is positioned) within a radius of500 m, as a preset range based upon the City Hall, the navigationapparatus 300 is determined to be near the arrival point, namely, theCity Hall (S120).

If the navigation apparatus 300 is determined to be near the arrivalpoint, then the navigation apparatus 300 checks whether the arrivalpoint is the ultimate destination. In one embodiment, checking whetherthe arrival point is the ultimate destination is implemented such that aGUI screen such as a pop-up window is used, as shown in FIG. 5, tooutput a message for inquiring whether the arrival point (or aninitially inputted arrival point) is the ultimate. In reply, the userselects an input value such as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, responsive to theoutputted message. Accordingly, the navigation apparatus 300 confirmswhether the arrival point is the ultimate destination based upon theinput value (S130).

According to the check result, if the arrival point is the ultimatedestination, the controller 308 generates a new route between thecurrent position and the arrival point, and then sends informationrelating to the newly generated route to a particular terminal (S140).

On the other hand, if the arrival point is not the ultimate destinationaccording to the check result, the controller 308 receives the ultimatedestination from the user.

Afterwards, a new route is generated based upon the input ultimatedestination and the current position of the navigation apparatus 300,and then information related to the newly generated route is wirelesslysent to the particular terminal (S150). In another embodiment, theinformation related to the newly generated route is sent to theparticular terminal via a wired connection.

The particular terminal then outputs the information related to the newroute sent in the steps (S140 or S150) to via a corresponding terminaldisplay and/or voice output unit. Here, the sent information related tothe new route, as shown in FIG. 6, may be one of map data in a graphicformat (see FIG. 6( a)), abbreviated map data in a graphic format (seeFIG. 6( b)), data in a turn-by-turn list format (see FIG. 6( c)), datain a text format (see FIG. 6( d)), data in an animation format, and datain a multimedia format providing video information about a route(anactual route). Here, upon displaying the data, the particular terminalcan reproduce the video information corresponding to a straight sectionincluded in the route at a speed faster than a typical reproductionspeed, and reproduce the video information corresponding to a curvedsection included in the route at a speed slower than the typicalreproduction speed. The map data in the graphic format shown in FIG. 6(a) indicates a new route 700 generated between the ultimate destination(i.e., point B) and the current position of the navigation apparatus 300(point C) based upon the map data displayed at the navigation apparatus300 or terminal (i.e., point C). Also, the abbreviated map data in thegraphic format shown in FIG. 6( b) indicates a new route 700 generatedin the limited (or abbreviated) map data between the ultimatedestination (i.e., point B) and the current position of the navigationapparatus 300 (i.e., point C) in the map data shown in FIG. 6( a). Thedata in the turn-by-turn list format shown in FIG. 6( c) indicates aroute from the current position (i.e., point C) of the navigationapparatus 300 to the ultimate destination (i.e., point B) in theturn-by-turn list format. Also, the data in the text format shown inFIG. 6( d) indicates a route from the current position (i.e., point C)of the navigation apparatus 300 to the ultimate destination (i.e., pointB) in text format. In one embodiment, voice data corresponding to thedata in the text format can be included in the information related tothe new route together with the data in the text format.

The particular terminal may be one of mobile phone, portable terminal,smart phone, notebook computer, digital broadcasting terminal, personaldigital assistants (PDA), portable multimedia player (PMP), WiBroterminal, telematics terminal, wireless terminal and navigation (vehiclenavigation apparatus).

Also, the information (or data) transmission between the navigationapparatus 300 and the particular terminal may be implemented usingBLUETOOTH, IrDA, UWB, ZigBee, wired/wireless universal serial bus (USB)(S160).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with asecond embodiment of the present invention.

First, the map matching unit 304 generates first position data and/orsecond position data based upon signals respectively received by the GPSreceiver 301 and/or the DR sensor 302, and generates a currentpresumptive position based upon the generated first and/or secondposition data. Afterwards, the map matching unit 304 reads out map datacorresponding to a running route from the storage unit 305. Here, therunning route refers to a route from a starting point to an arrivalpoint.

The map matching unit 304 then matches the presumptive position withlinks (roads) included in the map data, and outputs the matched mapinformation (map matching result) to the controller 308. For example,the map matching unit 304 generates the presumptive position based uponthe first and second position data and then matches the generatedpresumptive position with the links within the map data stored in thestorage unit 305 in a sequential manner, to thereafter output thematched map information (map matching result) to the controller 308.Here, the matched map information (map matching result) corresponds toinformation generated by referring to preset user information, a roadcondition using Transport Protocol Expert Group (TPEG) information orthe like, a current status information of a vehicle (e.g., oil state,air pressure state of tire, etc.) and the like.

Afterwards, the controller 308 generates road guidance information basedupon the matched map information, and outputs the road guidanceinformation to the display unit 306 and the voice output unit 307(S210).

The controller 308 then determines whether the navigation apparatus 300is currently positioned near the arrival point. Here, the determinationas to whether the navigation apparatus 300 is currently positioned nearthe arrival point is to determine whether or not the navigationapparatus 300 is currently positioned within a range (or a radius)preset based upon the arrival point (S220).

If the navigation apparatus 300 is determined to be near the arrivalpoint, then the navigation apparatus 300 checks whether the arrivalpoint is the ultimate destination. In one embodiment, checking whetherthe arrival point is the ultimate destination is implemented such that aGUI screen such as a pop-up window is used, as shown in FIG. 5, tooutput a message for inquiring whether the arrival point (or aninitially inputted arrival point) is the ultimate destination. In reply,the user selects an input value such as ‘Yes’ or ‘No’, responsive to theoutputted message. Accordingly, the navigation apparatus 300 confirmswhether the arrival point is the ultimate destination based upon theinput value (S230).

If the arrival point is the ultimate destination according to the checkresult, the position information is sent to a particular terminal via awireless or wired connection. Here, the sent position information (orposition related information) may be either information relating to theultimate destination or information relating to the ultimate destinationand the current position of the navigation apparatus 300 (S240).

If the arrival point is not the ultimate destination according to thecheck result, the ultimate destination is input by a user.

Afterwards, such position information relating to the input ultimatedestination or position information related to the input ultimatedestination and the current position of the navigation apparatus 300 issent to the particular terminal (S250).

The particular terminal then generates a new route based upon theposition information sent in the step (S240 or S250), and outputs thenewly generated route to its display and/or voice output unit. Here, thesent information related to the new route, as shown in FIG. 6, may beone of map data in a graphic format (see FIG. 6( a)), abbreviated mapdata in a graphic format (see FIG. 6( b)), data in a turn-by-turn listformat (see FIG. 6( c)), data in a text format (see FIG. 6( d)), data inan animation format, and data in a multimedia format providing videoinformation about a route (an actual route). Here, upon displaying thedata, the particular terminal can reproduce the video informationcorresponding to a straight section included in the route at a speedfaster than a typical reproduction speed, and reproduce the videoinformation corresponding to a curved section included in the route at aspeed slower than the typical reproduction speed.

For instance, when the arrival point is the ultimate destination, theposition information sent from the navigation apparatus 300 to theparticular terminal denotes the position information relating to thearrival point, or the position information relating both to the arrivalpoint and to the current position of the navigation apparatus 300. Ifthe position information includes only the information relating to thearrival point, the particular terminal generates a new route based uponthe information relating to the arrival point and current positioninformation related to the particular terminal and then outputs thenewly generated route. That is, when the information relating to thearrival point is only sent, the particular terminal generates a newroute based upon the current position information thereof and theinformation relating to the arrival point and then outputs the newroute. Also, when the position information includes the informationrelating to the arrival point and the current position informationrelated to the navigation apparatus 300, the particular terminal thengenerates a new route based upon the information relating to the arrivalpoint and the current position information related to the navigationapparatus 300 and/or the current position information related to theparticular terminal itself so as to output the newly generated route.Here, the current position of the particular terminal denotes positiondata obtained by using position data generated based upon signalsreceived via the GPS receiver and/or the DR sensor provided in theparticular terminal.

As another example, when the arrival point is not the ultimatedestination, the position information sent from the navigation apparatus300 to the particular terminal may be either information related to theultimate destination input by the user, or position informationincluding the information related to the ultimate destination input bythe user and the current position information related to the navigationapparatus 300. When the position information includes only theinformation related to the ultimate destination input by the user, theparticular terminal then generates a new route based upon theinformation related to the ultimate destination input by the user andcurrent position information related to the particular terminal itselfand outputs the newly generated route. When the position informationincludes the information related to the ultimate destination input bythe user and the current position information of the navigationapparatus 300, the particular terminal generates a new route based uponthe information related to the ultimate destination input by the userand the current position information related to the navigation apparatus300 and/or the current position information related to the particularterminal itself, and then outputs the newly generated route (S260).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with athird embodiment of the present invention.

First, the map matching unit 304 generates first position data and/orsecond position data based upon signals respectively received via theGPS receiver 301 and/or the DR sensor 302, and generates a currentpresumptive position based upon the generated first and/or secondposition data. Afterwards, the map matching unit 304 reads out map datacorresponding to a running route from the storage unit 305. Here, therunning route refers to a route from a starting point to an arrivalpoint.

The map matching unit 304 matches the presumptive position with links(roads) included in the map data, and outputs the matched mapinformation (map matching result) to the controller 308. For example,the map matching unit 304 generates the presumptive position based uponthe first and second position data and then matches the generatedpresumptive position with the links within the map data stored in thestorage unit 305 in a sequential manner, to thereafter output thematched map information (map matching result) to the controller 308.Here, the matched map information (map matching result) corresponds toinformation generated by referring to preset user information, a roadcondition using Transport Protocol Expert Group (TPEG) information orthe like, a current status information of a vehicle (e.g., oil state,air pressure state of tire, etc.) and the like.

Afterwards, the controller 308 generates road guidance information basedupon the matched map information, and outputs the road guidanceinformation to the display unit 306 and the voice output unit 307(S310).

The controller 308 then determines whether the navigation apparatus 300is currently positioned near the arrival point. Here, the determinationas to whether the navigation apparatus 300 is currently positioned nearthe arrival point is to determine whether or not the navigationapparatus 300 is currently positioned within a range (or a radius)preset based upon the arrival point (S320).

According to the check result, if the navigation apparatus 300 iscurrently positioned near the arrival point, the controller 308generates a new route between the current position of the navigationapparatus 300 and the arrival point, and then sends information relatingto the newly generated route to a particular terminal (S330).

The particular terminal then outputs the information related to the newroute to its display and/or voice output unit. Here, the sentinformation related to the new route, as shown in FIG. 6, may be one ofmap data in a graphic format (see FIG. 6( a)), abbreviated map data in agraphic format (see FIG. 6( b)), data in a turn-by-turn list format (seeFIG. 6( c)), data in a text format (see FIG. 6( d)), data in ananimation format, and data in a multimedia format providing videoinformation about a route (an actual route). Here, upon displaying thedata, the particular terminal can reproduce the video informationcorresponding to a straight section included in the route at a speedfaster than a typical reproduction speed, and reproduce the videoinformation corresponding to a curved section included in the route at aspeed slower than the typical reproduction speed (S340).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with afourth embodiment of the present invention.

First, the map matching unit 304 generates first position data and/orsecond position data based upon signals respectively received via theGPS receiver 301 and/or the DR sensor 302, and generates a currentpresumptive position based upon the generated first and/or secondposition data. Afterwards, the map matching unit 304 reads out map datacorresponding to a running route from the storage unit 305. Here, therunning route refers to a route from a starting point to an arrivalpoint.

The map matching unit 304 then matches the presumptive position withlinks (roads) included in the map data, and outputs the matched mapinformation (map matching result) to the controller 308. For example,the map matching unit 304 generates the presumptive position based uponthe first and second position data and then matches the generatedpresumptive position with the links within the map data stored in thestorage unit 305 in a sequential manner, to thereafter output thematched map information (map matching result) to the controller 308.Here, the matched map information (map matching result) corresponds toinformation generated by referring to preset user information, a roadcondition using Transport Protocol Expert Group (TPEG) information orthe like, a current status information of a vehicle (e.g., oil state,air pressure state of tire, etc.) and the like.

Afterwards, the controller 308 generates road guidance information basedupon the matched map information, and outputs the road guidanceinformation to the display unit 306 and the voice output unit 307(S410).

The controller 308 then determines whether the navigation apparatus 300is currently positioned near the arrival point. Here, the determinationas to whether the navigation apparatus 300 is currently positioned nearthe arrival point is to determine whether or not the navigationapparatus 300 is currently positioned within a range (or a radius)preset based upon the arrival point (S420).

If the navigation apparatus 300 is determined to be near the arrivalpoint, the position information is sent to a particular terminal. Here,the sent position information may be either information related to thearrival point, or position information including the information relatedto the arrival point and the current position information related to thenavigation apparatus 300 (S430).

Then, the particular terminal generates a new route based upon the sentposition information and outputs the newly generated route on a displayand/or a voice output unit thereof. Here, the information related to thenewly generated route, as shown in FIG. 6, may be one of map data in agraphic format (see FIG. 6( a)), abbreviated map data in a graphicformat (see FIG. 6( b)), data in a turn-by-turn list format (see FIG. 6(c)), data in a text format (see FIG. 6( d)), data in an animationformat, and data in a multimedia format providing video informationabout a route (an actual route). Here, upon displaying the data, theparticular terminal can reproduce the video information corresponding toa straight section included in the route at a speed faster than atypical reproduction speed, and reproduce the video informationcorresponding to a curved section included in the route at a speedslower than the typical reproduction speed.

For instance, when the sent position information includes only theinformation related to the arrival point, the particular terminalgenerates a new route based upon the current position informationthereof and outputs the newly generated route. Also, when the sentposition information includes both the information related to thearrival point and the current position information related to thenavigation apparatus 300, the particular terminal generates a new routebased upon the information related to the arrival point and the currentposition information related to the navigation apparatus 300 and/or thecurrent position information of the particular terminal itself so as tooutput the newly generated route. Here, the current position of theparticular terminal denotes position data obtained by using positiondata generated based upon signals received via the GPS receiver and/orthe DR sensor provided in the particular terminal (S440).

As such, in the navigation methods shown in FIGS. 4 to 9, the particularterminal and/or the navigation apparatus 300 are/is provided with commonor interoperable software (or program) to output route information usingthe software, or provided with different types of software to output theroute information using the corresponding software.

For example, in case where the navigation apparatus 300 and theparticular terminal have the same software, information related to thenewly generated route by the navigation apparatus 300 can be usedwithout processing or changes. That is, the screen of FIG. 6( a)displayed on the navigation apparatus 300 may equally be displayed evenon the particular terminal using the same software.

In addition, in case where the navigation apparatus 300 and theparticular terminal have the same software or different software, asshown in FIGS. 6( b) to 6(d), the information related to the newlygenerated route by the navigation apparatus 300 may be one of map datain an image file format (see FIG. 6( b)) turn-by-turn list format (or animage file in the form of an outline (see FIG. 6( c)), which is routefocused information, or data in the text format (see FIG. 6( d)), allbased upon the current position of the navigation apparatus 300 and thearrival point. As such, such data in the image file format, theturn-by-turn list format or the text format can be sent to theparticular terminal, and the sent data can be output using the softwareprovided in the particular terminal.

Also, in case where the navigation apparatus 300 and the particularterminal have the same software or different software, upon receivingposition information and generating new route related information basedon the position information in the particular terminal, the newlygenerated route related information may be one of the map data in theimage file format (or an image file in the form of an outline), the datain the turn-by-turn list format, or the data in the text format.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a navigation method in accordance with afifth embodiment of the present invention.

First, a first map matching unit provided in a first terminal generatesfirst position data and/or second position data based upon signalsrespectively received via a first GPS receiver and/or a first DR sensordisposed in the first terminal, and calculates a current presumptiveposition based upon the first and/or second position data. Afterwards,the first map matching unit reads out map data corresponding to arunning route from a first storage unit disposed in the first terminal.Here, the running route denotes a traveling route from a starting pointto an arrival point.

The first map matching unit matches the presumptive position with links(roads) included in the map data, and outputs the matched mapinformation (i.e., the map matching result) to a first controllerdisposed in the first terminal. For example, the first map matching unitgenerates the presumptive position based upon the first and second data,and matches the generated presumptive position with the links within themap data stored in the first storage unit in a sequential manner, so asto output the matched map information (i.e., the map matching result) tothe first controller. Here, the matched map information (i.e., the mapmatching result) corresponds to information generated by referring topreset user information, a road condition using Transport ProtocolExpert Group (TPEG) information or the like, current status informationof a vehicle (e.g., oil state, air pressure state of tire, etc.) and thelike.

Afterwards, the first controller generates road guidance informationbased upon the matched map information and outputs the generated roadguidance information to a first display and a first voice output unitdisposed in the first terminal.

The first controller determines whether the first terminal is currentlypositioned near the arrival point. Here, the determination as to whetherthe first terminal is currently positioned near the arrival point is todetermine whether or not the first terminal is currently positionedwithin a range (or a radius) preset based upon the arrival point (S510).

If the first terminal is positioned near the arrival point according tothe determination, the first controller generates a new route betweenthe current position of the first terminal and the arrival point, andsends information related to the newly generated route to an informationproviding center 500 and/or a call center 600.

If the first terminal is positioned near the arrival point according tothe determination, the first controller may send, to the informationproviding center 500 and/or the call center 600, information related tothe arrival point (or an ultimate destination) or position informationrelated both to the arrival point and to the current position of thefirst terminal.

In addition, if the first terminal is positioned near the arrival point,the first controller checks whether the arrival point is the ultimatedestination. According to the checked result, if the arrival point isnot the ultimate destination, the first controller may receive a newultimate destination so as to use the input ultimate destination (S520).

Afterwards, a second terminal requests, from the information providingcenter 500 and/or the call center 600, the transmission of the sentnewly generated route related information or the position information.Here, the second terminal can be authenticated so as to determinewhether the corresponding information (i.e., the newly generated routerelated information or the position information) is enabled to be sentfrom the information providing center 500 and/or the call center 600 tothe second terminal (S530).

The information providing center 500 and/or the call center 600 thensends to the second terminal the newly generated route relatedinformation or the position information received from the firstterminal, responsive to the request for the transmission of theinformation by the second terminal (S540).

Then, the second terminal executes certain processes for the receivedroute related information or the position information, and then outputsthe result of the execution to its second display and/or second voiceoutput unit.

That is, when the received information is the new route relatedinformation, then the second terminal outputs the received new routerelated information to the second display and/or the second voice outputunit thereof. Here, the new route related information, as shown in FIG.6, may be one of map data in a graphic format (see FIG. 6( a)),abbreviated map data in a graphic format (see FIG. 6( b)), data in aturn-by-turn list format (see FIG. 6( c)), data in a text format (seeFIG. 6( d)), data in an animation format, and data in a multimediaformat providing video information about a route (an actual route).Here, upon displaying the data, the particular terminal can reproducethe video information corresponding to a straight section included inthe route at a speed faster than a typical reproduction speed, andreproduce the video information corresponding to a curved sectionincluded in the route at a speed slower than the typical reproductionspeed.

Also, when the received information is the position information, thenthe second terminal generates a new route based upon the positioninformation related to the arrival point, or upon the positioninformation related to the arrival point and the current position of thefirst terminal. That is, when the position information includes theinformation related to the arrival point, the second terminal newlygenerates a first route based upon the arrival point and its position,and then outputs the newly generated first route to the second displayand/or the second voice output unit. Also, when the position informationincludes both the arrival point and the current position of the firstterminal, the second terminal newly generates a second route based uponthe arrival point and the current position of the first terminal, andthen outputs the newly generated second route to the second displayand/or the second voice output unit(S550).

As such, the information providing center 500 and/or the call center 600can be configured to serve as an intermediary or a server between thefirst and second terminals. Also, the interconnection among the firstand second terminals and the information providing center 500 (or thecall center 600) can be implemented using a wired/wireless communicationtechnology.

The first and second mobile terminals described above may be implementedas various forms. Examples of the forms may include portable terminals,smart phones, notebook computers, digital broadcasting terminals,Personal Digital Assistants (PDA), Portable Multimedia Players (PMP),WiBro terminals, telematics terminals, wireless terminals, navigations(mobile vehicle navigation apparatus), and the like.

In the navigation apparatus and method according to the above-describedembodiments of the present invention, the first and second terminalscooperate with each other so as to share information related to routeguidance, so as to enhance the convenience of use.

Also, in the navigation apparatus and method according to theabove-described embodiments of the present invention, the secondterminal is allowed to provide position information related to anarrival point which is currently being provided by the first terminal,such that the second terminal is allowed to generate information relatedto a new route according to such condition so as to provide to a user,thereby improving efficiency of the use due to the sharing ofinformation between the terminals.

The above described embodiments of a navigation unit may be installed inany type of vehicle, including an automobile, a truck, a bus, a boat,etc.

The foregoing embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and arenot to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The presentteachings can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Thisdescription is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scopeof the claims. Many alternatives, modifications, and variations will beapparent to those skilled in the art. The features, structures, methods,and other characteristics of the exemplary embodiments described hereinmay be combined in various ways to obtain additional and/or alternativeexemplary embodiments.

As the present features may be embodied in several forms withoutdeparting from the characteristics thereof, it should also be understoodthat the above-described embodiments are not limited by any of thedetails of the foregoing description, unless otherwise specified, butrather should be construed broadly within its scope as defined in theappended claims, and therefore all changes and modifications that fallwithin the metes and bounds of the claims, or equivalents of such metesand bounds are therefore intended to be embraced by the appended claims.

1. A navigation method performed by a navigation terminal configured tobe installed in a motor vehicle, comprising: displaying road guidanceinformation from an origination position to a first destination point;determining whether a current position is the first destination point;upon determining that the current position is not the first destinationpoint, generating a route from the current position to the firstdestination point; and wirelessly transmitting the route to a mobilecommunication terminal.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofdetermining whether a current position is the first destination pointcomprises one of: determining whether the current position is within apreset range of the first destination point; and determining a distancebetween the current position and the first destination point.
 3. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the step of determining whether a currentposition is the first destination point comprises: displaying a messageprompting a user to indicate whether the current position is the firstdestination point; and receiving an input from the user indicatingwhether the current position is the first destination point.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: receiving from the user a seconddestination point; generating a second route from one of the currentposition and the first destination point to the second destinationpoint; and wirelessly transmitting the second route to the mobilecommunication terminal.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the secondroute comprises: second route data in one of an image format, aturn-by-turn list format, a text format, an animation format, and amultimedia format.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the routecomprises: first route data in one of an image format, a turn by turnlist format, a text format, an animation format, and a multimediaformat.
 7. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating areverse route between the first destination point and the currentposition; and wirelessly transmitting the reverse route to a secondmobile communication terminal.
 8. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: receiving a user input identifying an alternative position;generating a route from the first destination point to the alternativeposition; and wirelessly transmitting the route from the firstdestination point to the alternative position to a second mobilecommunication terminal.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step ofdetermining whether a current position is the first destination point isperformed automatically upon terminating motor vehicle movement.
 10. Anavigation apparatus configured to be installed in a motor vehicle, thenavigation apparatus comprising: a display; a wireless communicationsmodule; and a controller operatively connected to the display and thewireless communications module, the controller configured to displayroad guidance information from an origination position to a firstdestination point, determine whether a current position is the firstdestination point, upon determining that the current position is not thefirst destination point, generate a route from the current position tothe first destination point, and wirelessly transmit the route to amobile communication terminal.
 11. The navigation apparatus of claim 10,wherein the controller is configured to determine whether the currentposition is within a preset range of the first destination point, anddetermine a distance between the current position and the firstdestination point.
 12. The navigation apparatus of claim 10, wherein thecontroller is configured to display a message prompting a user toindicate whether the current position is the first destination point,and receive an input from the user indicating whether the currentposition is the first destination point.
 13. The navigation apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein the controller is configured to receive from the usera second destination point, generate a second route from one of thecurrent position and the first destination point to the seconddestination point, and wirelessly transmit the second route to themobile communication terminal.
 14. The navigation apparatus of claim 13,wherein the second route comprises: second route data in one of an imageformat, a turn-by-turn list format, a text format, an animation format,and a multimedia format.
 15. The navigation apparatus of claim 10,wherein the route comprises: first route data in one of an image format,a turn by turn list format, a text format, an animation format, and amultimedia format.
 16. The navigation apparatus of claim 10, wherein thecontroller is configured to generate a reverse route between the firstdestination point and the current position, and wirelessly transmit thereverse route to a second mobile communication terminal.
 17. Thenavigation apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configuredto receive a user input identifying an alternative position, generate aroute from the first destination point to the alternative position, andwirelessly transmit the route from the first destination point to thealternative position to a second mobile communication terminal.
 18. Thenavigation apparatus of claim 10, wherein the controller is configuredto automatically determine whether the current position is the firstdestination point upon terminating motor vehicle movement.
 19. A motorvehicle, comprising: a navigation apparatus configured to be installedin an automobile, the navigation apparatus including: a display; awireless communications module; and a controller operatively connectedto the display and the wireless communications module, the controllerconfigured to display road guidance information from an originationposition to a first destination point, determine whether a currentposition is the first destination point, upon determining that thecurrent position is not the first destination point, generate a routefrom the current position to the first destination point, and wirelesslytransmit the route to a mobile communication terminal.
 20. A method,comprising: displaying route information, wherein the step of displayingcomprises: reproducing video information corresponding to a straightsection included in the route information at a speed faster than atypical reproduction speed; and reproducing video informationcorresponding to a curved section included in the route information at aspeed slower than the typical reproduction speed.
 21. The method ofclaim 20, wherein the route information comprises: route data in one ofan image format, a turn-by-turn list format, a text format, an animationformat, and a multimedia format.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein theroute data comprises data in a multimedia format providing the videoinformation relating to a route.
 23. An apparatus, comprising: acontroller configured to display route information, reproduce videoinformation corresponding to a straight section included in the routeinformation at a speed faster than a typical reproduction speed, andreproduce video information corresponding to a curved section includedin the route information at a speed slower than the typical reproductionspeed.
 24. The apparatus of claim 23, wherein the route informationcomprises: route data in one of an image format, a turn-by-turn listformat, a text format, an animation format, and a multimedia format. 25.The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the route data comprises data in amultimedia format providing the video information relating to a route.26. A motor vehicle, comprising: a navigation apparatus configured to beinstalled in an automobile, the navigation apparatus including acontroller configured to display route information, reproduce videoinformation corresponding to a straight section included in the routeinformation at a speed faster than a typical reproduction speed, andreproduce video information corresponding to a curved section includedin the route information at a speed slower than the typical reproductionspeed.